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B. Kosuge Wines

Byron Kosuge, former winemaker at Saintsbury makes several wines under the B. Kosuge Wines label including a Pinot Noir called "The Shop." The name ,“The Shop”, is a reference to Walsh Vineyard Management whose owners Brian worked with for many years. It also symbolizes his love for spending time in the vineyard and hanging out with vineyard workers. The grapes come from a small Carneros vineyard adjacent to the vineyard equipment shop.

In 2006, there is also a Pinot Noir from Hirsch Vineyard (Sonoma Coast) and Manchester Ridge Vineyard (Sonoma Coast) as well as a Syrah from Bennet Valley. The Manchester Ridge Mendocino Pinot Noir is outstanding.

The wines may be purchased on the website and through retail distribution channels.

Kosuge is also a consulting winemaker for Alder Springs Vineyard, Pearl Morissette, Small Vines Wines, Wrath Wines, Kingston Family Vineyards and Miura Vineyards.

Reviewed Wines

14.5% alc., 165 cases. $40.
·Moderately
dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of
fresh berries sprinkled with herbs, spice and flowers. Delicious core of
darker red cherries, berries and plums with an attractive savory, wildly
exotic tone. Very soft in the mouth with firm, but complimentary tannins,
and a long dry finish. This is a wine that aims to please.Reviewed June 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

14.5% alc., 300 cases, $38.
·Demure but intoxicating perfume
of dark berry jam, oak spice and floral bouquet. Lovely blackberry and
raspberry fruit that is discreetly concentrated and clothed in silky, supple
tannins. Great purity of fruit with an interesting undertone of forest floor,
wood pile and mushrooms. The lingering finish keeps bringing you back.
This beauty has the whole package. Will get even better with another year in
bottle.Reviewed January 22, 2010ARTICLE&nbsp»

14.5% alc., 240 cases,
$40.
·Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A bit funky on the nose with aromas of pine forest, mushroom and
spice. Soft and smooth on the palate with a moderately rich core of dark red cherry and berry fruits that veer to
an ultra ripe, and slightly oxidized character. Well-honed acidity with supple tannins. The next day the wine
was disappointing with over ripe flavors and a vegetal note. This may not be a representative bottle of this
wine as I have sampled it in the past and reviewed it very favorably (January 2010).Reviewed June 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2006 B. Kosuge Wines The Shop Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $30. “Named
after the farm equipment workshop located next to vineyards in honor of hands on
work of growing wine grapes and the people who do it.” Byron Kosuge is the former
winemaker at Saintsbury and also consults for Kingston Family in Chile.
·Complex
scents of cherry pie, black raspberries, black current and a little barnyard. Red
and blue fruits on the attack finishing with frisky acidity and moderate tannins. Not
overblown with fruit and very drinkable.Reviewed May 7, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

2006 B. Kosuge Wines Manchester Ridge Mendocino Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 300 cases, $40. From a
vineyard located in the boonies (many miles toward the coast from Boonville) at 2,000 feet. The location
and climate are more akin to the Sonoma Coast than Anderson Valley. Byron Kosuge is a Pinot Noir and
Syrah specialist who formerly was the head winemaker at Saintsbury.
·A potpourri of scents including
brambly cherries, candied apples, exotic woods, vanillin and winter spices. Mouth filling dusty red
cherries that are nicely spiced with echoes of oak. Velvety texture with integrated tannins and a good acid cut.
A complete wine with excellent balance and length.Reviewed October 1, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

2005 B. Kosuge Wines The Shop Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $30.
·The perfume of ripe cherries and vanilla with a hint of oak leads to a potpourri
of plum and blackberry flavors. Nicely balanced. A calming drink that is easy to
cozy up to.Reviewed August 24, 2007ARTICLE&nbsp»

2004 B. Kosuge Wines The Shop Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 325 cases, $30. The name “The Shop”, is in reference to Walsh Vineyard Management whose owners
Brian worked with for many years. It also symbolizes his love for spending time in the vineyard and hanging out with vineyard workers. The grapes come from a small vineyard adjacent to the vineyard equipment shop.
·This is a nice package which is deftly crafted and very easy to drink. The nose is tinged with black cherry, vanilla, and oak, and the flavor profile features darker fruits including plum and black cherry. Tannins are nicely integrated and the wine is beautifully balanced. Overall, a little more sappy and darker than the 2004 vintage of this wine which I also liked very much.Reviewed May 13, 2007ARTICLE&nbsp»

2004 B. Kosuge Wines The Shop Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 325 cases, $30.
·A wonderfully fragrant wine upon opening with a wonderland of cherry and spice. Flavors of dark cherries and berries are opulent and layered, and linger on the finish. A perfectly composed fruit driven masterpiece that is powerfully flavored, yet light on its feet. A lip smacker.Reviewed June 19, 2006